Buying agricultural land in Telangana does not automatically allow you to use it for a house, shop, factory, or other non-agricultural purpose. If you want to change the use of agricultural land, you may need to complete the applicable NALA conversion process.
NALA stands for Non-Agricultural Land Assessment. It is the process used to assess and convert agricultural land for non-agricultural use. This can include residential, commercial, industrial, and other permitted uses.
For land buyers, understanding NALA is important. The land may be suitable for your planned use, but you should first check its land-use status and the required approvals.
Table of Contents
What Is NALA?
In Telangana, NALA conversion is related to the use of agricultural land for a non-agricultural purpose. For example, if a person wants to use agricultural land for a residential house or commercial activity, the applicable conversion process must be completed.
The process is governed by the applicable Telangana land conversion law. The application can be made online through the Telangana Bhu Bharati portal. NALA conversion does not change the ownership of the land. It relates to the permitted use of the land.
Can You Build a House on Agricultural Land?
Purchasing agricultural land does not mean that you can immediately construct a house on it. Agricultural land has a specific use in the land records. If you want to use it for a non-agricultural purpose, you must check whether NALA conversion is required and complete the applicable process before using the land for that purpose.
Construction may also require other permissions. These requirements can depend on the location, type of property, and proposed construction. Therefore, do not treat the purchase of agricultural land as permission to start construction.
Read More: 4 Different Types of Property Ownership Transfer Deeds
Problems of Constructing Without NALA Conversion
Using agricultural land for a non-agricultural purpose without completing the required conversion can create problems.
- Building Permission: You may not be able to obtain the required building permission if the land has not been properly converted for the proposed use. The exact permission requirements depend on the location and the authority responsible for the property.
- Bank Loan: Banks can ask for proper land records and applicable approvals before approving a property or construction loan. If the land-use status is unclear, obtaining a bank loan can be difficult.
- Penalty: Unauthorized use of agricultural land for a non-agricultural purpose can also result in a penalty. A 50% penalty over the applicable conversion fee may apply in cases covered by the relevant provisions. The actual amount and its applicability should be checked under the property’s current rules.
How to Apply for NALA in Telangana
The NALA application process is available through the Telangana Bhu Bharati portal.
The applicant needs to provide the land details and select the relevant conversion information. The official application process includes entering the Pattadar Passbook Number, selecting the Survey Number, and entering the extent of land to be converted.
After entering the required details, the applicant can continue with the application and payment process shown on the portal. Before submitting the application, check all property details carefully. The information entered should match the relevant land records.
Read More: What Documents Are Necessary for Buying Property in India?
Details Required for a NALA Application
The application includes important details about the land. These include:
- Conversion Type
- Pattadar Passbook Number
- Survey Number
- Extent of land
The applicant first selects the relevant conversion type and enters the Passbook Number. The available property details are then used to select the Survey Number and the extent to be converted. If only part of a survey number is being converted, the extent entered in the application should also be checked carefully.
Why Survey Number and Extent Must Be Correct
The Survey Number and extent are important property details. They identify the land covered by the application. A wrong Survey Number can relate the application to a different parcel of land. An incorrect extent can create a mismatch between the NALA application and the land records.
These errors can cause problems when the property documents are checked later. For this reason, compare the Survey Number and extent with the available land records before submitting the NALA application.
Is NALA Conversion Alone Enough?
NALA conversion is important, but it is not the only property check a buyer should make. NALA relates to the conversion of agricultural land for non-agricultural use. It does not by itself confirm every aspect of the property’s title, ownership, layout, construction permission, or other applicable restrictions.
A buyer should also verify the property documents and other permissions that apply to the land. Depending on the property, these checks can include ownership records, title documents, revenue records, previous sale documents, land extent, applicable layout permissions, and construction permissions.
If the seller says that the land has NALA conversion, ask for the relevant records and check whether the Survey Number and extent match the property being sold.
Understanding the NALA Conversion Process
The process can be understood in a simple order. First, the land has an agricultural use. If the owner wants to use it for a permitted non-agricultural purpose, the applicable NALA conversion process must be completed.
After conversion, the owner must still check whether any other permission is required for the proposed use or construction.
For example, converting agricultural land does not automatically mean that a person can construct any type of building on it. The required building and development permissions must also be checked.
What Should Buyers Check Before Buying Land?
A buyer should check the NALA status before purchasing land that is being sold for residential or another non-agricultural purpose. The Survey Number and extent should match across the relevant property documents. The ownership and title documents should also be checked.
If the land has already been converted, verify the NALA records instead of relying only on the seller’s statement. You should also check other applicable permissions and restrictions. NALA is one part of property verification. It should be considered along with the other documents and approvals that apply to the property.
Conclusion
NALA conversion is an important requirement when agricultural land is intended for a permitted non-agricultural use in Telangana. It helps establish the applicable non-agricultural use of the land, but it does not replace other property documents and permissions.
If you are planning to buy land or construct a house on land that was previously agricultural, check the NALA status and compare the Survey Number and extent with the property records. Also verify the ownership, title, and other applicable permissions before proceeding.
A proper property check before purchase can help you avoid problems later.
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